Get help with school essentials

Eligibility

Families with children in reception to year 11 on lower incomes and certain benefits can apply.

The grant amount for the 2026-27 school year is:

Parents and carers can claim once per child per school year

Receiving Universal Primary Free School Meals does not automatically entitle your child to the School Essentials Grant:

Learners must be eligible for means-tested Free School Meals (eFSM).
Learners who receive free school meals due to transitional protection arrangements do not qualify.
All children in local authority care qualify for the grant. You must apply to the local authority where the child attends school.

Receiving the School Essentials Grant will not affect your tax or other benefits.

Pupils who receive free school meals due to transitional protection or Universal FSM do not qualify for this funding.

You may be eligible if you have no resource to public funds (NRPF).

If your child is eligible, you can apply for the School Essentials Grant.

You can only apply once for each child in a year.

We will need your:

You can also download and complete the form below:

Downloads

If you have any questions about your application or need help to apply, please contact:

Child and Family Support Team

Civic Centre Port Talbot Neath Port Talbot SA13 1PJ

fsm@npt.gov.uk

(01639) 763 515 (01639) 763 515